News

Houses approval despite objections

Affordable homes are to be built on a green field in Eccleshill, Bradford, despite concerns from nearby residents.

The scheme, by the Home Group Ltd, will see six one-bedroom flats, 16 two-bedroom houses and six three-bedroom houses built off Abbotside Close. Residents had handed in a 44-signature petition calling for the scheme to be refused, along with 16 separate letters.

They argued that there were brownfield sites available elsewhere, and that the development would exacerbate problems they were already having with parking. Ward Councillor Geoff Reid (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) spoke on behalf of objectors at the meeting of the Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee yesterday.

He said the traffic problems there were unlike any other in the ward, and that the 1950s and 1960s housing already in Abbotside Close had not been built with off-street parking.

He said:“Over the years the car ownership pattern has changed out of all recognition.” Moving that the scheme be approved, committee member Councillor Doreen Lee, said the site had been allocated for housing in the past.